Declare Russian American History Month

Senate Resolution No. 1117 BY: Senator ALCANTARA MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017, as Russian American History Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, The history and participation of people of Russian heritage in the American experience will be greatly enhanced and appreciated through the observation of April 2017, as Russian American History Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Individuals of Russian heritage such as Ivan Turchaninov, Union Army Brigadier General; Igor Sikorsky, inventor of the helicopter and the multi-engine airplane; composers Sergei Rachmaninoff and Igor Stravinsky; Yul Bryner and Kirk Douglas, Hollywood legends; Serge Brin, co-founder and head of the Google Corporation; Irving Berlin, author of the song "God Bless America," and many others have made important contributions to the United States and the world; and WHEREAS, The recognition of such significant contributions will enhance the opportunities for Russian American youth to take pride in their forebears and to identify with them as role models; and WHEREAS, Better knowledge of the role of Russian Americans in the history of the United States and of relations between Russia and America can lead to more productive opportunities for all; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017, as Russian American History Month in the State of New York, and to urge that during this month there be active efforts to examine the subject in public schools, colleges, universities and other venues and that events and activities supporting interest and attention to Russian American history and how Russian Americans have retained their cultural identity while contributing significantly to the enrichment of New York State and America be encouraged; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York; The Honorable Sergey I. Kislyak, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United States; The Honorable Igor L. Golubovsky, Consul General of the Russian Federation in New York; His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York; Bishop John, Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA; Dr. Olga Zatsepina, President of RACH-C, (Russian American Cultural Heritage Center Inc.) and Chair of the Russian American History Month Coalition: Dr. Cyril Geacintov, President, Russian Nobility Association in America; and Tatiana Deptola, President of the New Russia Cultural Center, Albany, New York.